Pizza Nord-Ovest Recipe Guide
Table of Contents
ToggleNord-Ovest
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Large bowl for dough mixing
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Baking tray or pizza peel (if using a pizza stone)
- Knife and chopping board
- Grater for cheese
- Damp cloth for covering dough
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 500 g all-purpose flour or 00 flour for a more authentic texture
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 7 g active dry yeast
- 300 ml warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- For the Topping:
- 200 g pomodoro tomato sauce
- 250 g fresh mozzarella cheese sliced
- 100 g bresaola air-dried beef, thinly sliced
- 100 g fresh cherry tomatoes pomodoro fresco, halved
- 50 g Grana Padano or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese grated
- Fresh basil leaves optional for garnish
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Method:
- Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water (not too hot!) with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
- Form the dough: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix with a spoon until the dough comes together, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to the highest setting, around 250°C (475°F). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats to get a crispy crust.
- Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
- Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two portions (for two pizzas). Roll out each dough ball into a thin round, about 10-12 inches in diameter, on a floured surface.
- Spread the sauce: Spread a generous layer of pomodoro (tomato sauce) over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Layer the toppings:
- Place slices of mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Add a few halved fresh cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness.
- Add bresaola slices, arranging them delicately on top.
- Grate the cheese: Sprinkle a light layer of Grana Padano or Parmigiano Reggiano over the pizza for that nutty flavor.
- Step 4: Bake the Pizza
- Bake in the oven: Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (ideally onto a pizza stone or a baking sheet). Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese has melted and is bubbling.
- Finish with basil and olive oil: Once the pizza is out of the oven, drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top (optional but adds a nice touch).
- Variations & Tips:
- For a gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free pizza base or flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure the yeast is gluten-free as well.
- Vegan option: Swap the mozzarella with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cheese or vegan mozzarella.
- For a spicier kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or drizzle some chili oil on top before serving.
- Add more veggies: Consider adding arugula or rocket on top for some fresh greens.
- Substitutions for Dietary Needs:
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives, and check the pomodoro sauce ingredients to ensure it's dairy-free.
- Low-carb/Keto: For a keto-friendly pizza, you can use cauliflower crust instead of regular dough.
- No Bresaola: You can swap the bresaola with prosciutto, salami, or even roasted vegetables for a different twist.
Pizza Nord-Ovest is a wonderfully unique and flavorful Italian pizza that combines the best of fresh ingredients. From the tangy pomodoro sauce to the rich mozzarella and bresaola, this pizza offers a combination of flavors that is sure to delight any pizza lover. Based on my overall experience, this recipe is a great way to impress your friends and family while having fun with homemade pizza. Let me show you how I make it.
Notes on What to Expect When Making Pizza Nord-Ovest
- Dough Texture & Rise:
The dough will be soft and slightly sticky at first, but as you knead it and let it rise, it will become smooth and elastic. Expect it to double in size during the rise, which is a great indicator that your yeast is working properly. The dough should be light and airy once baked, giving you a soft, chewy interior with a slightly crispy crust. - Flavorful Sauce:
The pomodoro (tomato sauce) used for this pizza will provide a sweet, tangy base that complements the other ingredients. The key is to use high-quality canned tomatoes or fresh tomatoes if possible to get that rich, authentic Italian flavor. - Melted Cheese Perfection:
As the pizza bakes, the mozzarella will melt beautifully, becoming creamy and slightly bubbly. Expect a smooth, cheesy texture that will melt in your mouth. If you’re using fresh mozzarella, it will release some moisture during baking, but this only adds to the flavor. - Toppings Combination:
The combination of bresaola, fresh tomatoes, and Grana Padano cheese gives this pizza a unique and sophisticated taste. The bresaola will be tender, thinly sliced, and add a salty richness to the pizza, while the fresh tomatoes provide bursts of juiciness and color. The Grana Padano adds a nutty and slightly sharp flavor that ties everything together. - Crispy Crust:
If you’ve preheated the oven properly, especially if using a pizza stone, your crust should be golden brown with a slight crispiness. The edges will be airy, light, and slightly chewy on the inside, which balances perfectly with the soft toppings. - Fresh Basil & Olive Oil Drizzle:
The fresh basil added after baking will bring an aromatic freshness, and the drizzle of olive oil will enhance the richness of the cheese and bresaola. Don’t skip this step—it really lifts the flavors and adds that authentic touch to your pizza. - Serving Expectation:
The pizza will have a perfect balance of flavors—savory, tangy, and slightly salty with each bite. The textures will contrast beautifully with the soft cheese, tender bresaola, and crispy crust. This pizza is light but full of flavor, and is sure to be a hit whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a casual meal.
Overall, expect a pizza that’s a bit more refined than the classic Margherita, with a unique blend of ingredients that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 500g all-purpose flour (or 00 flour for a more authentic texture)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 7g active dry yeast
- 300ml warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Topping:
- 200g pomodoro (tomato sauce)
- 250g fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 100g bresaola (air-dried beef, thinly sliced)
- 100g fresh cherry tomatoes (pomodoro fresco), halved
- 50g Grana Padano or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, grated
- Fresh basil leaves (optional for garnish)
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pizza Nord-Ovest now.
Method:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water (not too hot!) with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
- Form the dough: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix with a spoon until the dough comes together, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to the highest setting, around 250°C (475°F). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats to get a crispy crust.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
- Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two portions (for two pizzas). Roll out each dough ball into a thin round, about 10-12 inches in diameter, on a floured surface.
- Spread the sauce: Spread a generous layer of pomodoro (tomato sauce) over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Layer the toppings:
- Place slices of mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Add a few halved fresh cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness.
- Add bresaola slices, arranging them delicately on top.
- Grate the cheese: Sprinkle a light layer of Grana Padano or Parmigiano Reggiano over the pizza for that nutty flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Pizza
- Bake in the oven: Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (ideally onto a pizza stone or a baking sheet). Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese has melted and is bubbling.
- Finish with basil and olive oil: Once the pizza is out of the oven, drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top (optional but adds a nice touch).
Variations & Tips:
- For a gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free pizza base or flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure the yeast is gluten-free as well.
- Vegan option: Swap the mozzarella with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cheese or vegan mozzarella.
- For a spicier kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or drizzle some chili oil on top before serving.
- Add more veggies: Consider adding arugula or rocket on top for some fresh greens.
Substitutions for Dietary Needs:
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives, and check the pomodoro sauce ingredients to ensure it’s dairy-free.
- Low-carb/Keto: For a keto-friendly pizza, you can use cauliflower crust instead of regular dough.
- No Bresaola: You can swap the bresaola with prosciutto, salami, or even roasted vegetables for a different twist.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pizza Nord-Ovest now.
Recipe Information:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (not including dough rising time)
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Time to Stand (Dough Rising): 1-1.5 hours
- Total Time: Approximately 1.5-2 hours
- Ease of Cooking: Moderate (but very beginner-friendly with some practice)
- Servings: 2 (1 pizza per serving)
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 500-600 calories (may vary depending on cheese and toppings used)
- Cost of Ingredients: $8-12 depending on quality of ingredients (higher-end cheeses and meats may cost more)
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main Course
Equipment Needed:
- Large bowl for dough mixing
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Baking tray or pizza peel (if using a pizza stone)
- Knife and chopping board
- Grater for cheese
- Damp cloth for covering dough
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pizza Nord-Ovest now.
What to Expect:
From my own personal experience, this pizza has a wonderfully crispy crust with a rich, savory topping. The fresh tomatoes provide a burst of juiciness, while the bresaola adds a deliciously tender and salty flavor. The Grana Padano gives it that perfect Italian touch, with a mild, nutty richness that ties everything together. The combination of flavors makes it a delightful choice for pizza lovers who want something a little different!
Nutritional Information Per Serving:
- Calories: 500-600
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
I hope this guide has made making Pizza Nord-Ovest seem a little less daunting or have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comment below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment.
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>